What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Ultrasound exam of the abdomen—a test that uses sound waves to visualize the inside of the abdomen

Barium X-ray—x-ray exam of the abdomen, after swallowing a barium drink and/or receiving a barium enema

CT Scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body

MRI Scan—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body

Colonoscopy with biopsy samples—visual exam and removal of tissue inside of the large intestine using a flexible tube that is attached to a light and a viewing device

In the days leading up to your procedure:

Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water daily.

Follow a special diet, if recommended by your surgeon.

Follow your doctor’s instructions for cleansing your colon; this may include enemas, laxatives, drinking a special liquid preparation, and/or a clear-liquid diet.

Take antibiotics, if prescribed by your doctor.

If your doctor asks you to, shower the night before your procedure using antibacterial soap.

Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the procedure, and for help at home.

The night before, eat a light meal or drink clear liquids as directed, and do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless told otherwise by your doctor.

Wear comfortable clothing.

Anesthesia

You will receive general anesthesia for the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

The surgeon makes a single long incision (open colectomy) or several smaller incisions (laparoscopic colectomy) in your abdomen.

If only part of your colon is removed (partial colectomy), your surgeon sews the open ends of the intestine together after the central portion has been removed.

If all of your colon is removed (total colectomy), or your surgeon determines your intestine needs time to heal and rest after the procedure, you may need a colostomy or ileostomy.

In a colostomy or ileostomy procedure, your surgeon makes a small opening, called a stoma, in the front of your abdominal wall. The open end of your intestine is then pulled through the abdominal wall and attached to the skin. Your waste will exit your body through this opening. You will wear a pouch, or an ostomy bag, on the outside of your body, where waste material will be collected. The stoma may be either temporary or permanent.

After the procedure is complete, your surgeon closes the muscles and skin of the abdomen with stitches or staples, and applies a sterile dressing.

Average Hospital Stay

This surgery typically requires 5 to 6 days of recovery in the hospital.

Postoperative Care

You will receive instructions about when and what you can eat, and how you need to restrict your activity. During the first few days after surgery, you may be restricted from eating. You will need to take it easy for 1 to 2 months, as you recover from your surgery.

If you have a colostomy:

A specialized nurse or your surgeon will teach you how to care for the stoma site and change the ostomy bag.

In the first days after your operation, you will progress from a clear liquid to a bland, low-fiber diet. During this time, you should avoid high-fiber foods, including corn, celery, apples, nuts, popcorn, grapes, and other foods with hulls, peels, and seeds. You will likely be able to return to your regular diet 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

Alert your physicians and pharmacist that you cannot take medications that are considered time-released or time-sustained.

Do not use laxatives because postcolostomy stools are usually quite liquid.

Drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of liquid daily because extra fluids will be lost in your stool.

Outcome

The outcome varies depending on why you had the colectomy. If you have colon cancer and the entire cancerous area is removed with a colectomy, your outcome is good. A colectomy may also reduce your risk of developing colon cancer if you had it to treat a precancerous condition, including familial polyposis, ulcerative colitis, or colon polyps. Most people who have colectomies go on to live normal, active lives, and the colon adapts to return bowel activity to normal.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

It is essential for you to monitor your recovery once you leave the hospital. That way, you can alert your doctor to any problems immediately. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site

Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting

Pain, burning, urgency, frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine

As a woman, your health concerns are as unique as your body. How you take care of yourself has a huge impact on your future, affecting everything from your ability to have children to your risk of heart disease. There's no substitute for good health, and when it's gone, it's often gone for good. Don't let it pass you by. Test your smarts with this women's health quiz.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.